Wonderfully entertaining picture, this roams across the world to show the enduring attraction of this simple instrument. All ages seem to take to it {I have a friend who just took to it after his retirement} and the experts expound on how easy it is make sweet sounds. The history of the uke is given, showing it's huge popularity in the Roaring 20s, before it faded to become something of a joke. But there were enough diehards determined to make sure the legacy continued. The best sequences show a Canadian school that teaches the instrument and sends it's best students to the true home of the uke, Hawaii, every year for a concert. This is inspiring stuff, never taking itself too serious. It'll put a smile on your face/
2 Reviews
Sweet!
peter-212226 September 2012
I just stumbled upon this gem on cable and have given up my afternoon to it (I kept trying to pull myself away, but with no luck!).
Hawaii, Japan, Canada ...
What a pleasant surprise to discover so much about an instrument that I (apparently along with many others) have long considered little more than a toy.
Yes, Tiny Tim does make an appearance, but so do a lot of truly creative folks, young and old. And what they seem to share - and express - is unalloyed joy.
Between the fascinating history, the wonderful musicians, the inspiring teachers (esp. Langley B.C.'s Mr. Luongo) and the students, I defy anyone not to have a smile on their face throughout this delightful - and life-affirming - documentary. A sure cure for the blues.
And, boy, do I wish I was exposed to the ukulele in school, instead of the piano and that painful recorder!
Hawaii, Japan, Canada ...
What a pleasant surprise to discover so much about an instrument that I (apparently along with many others) have long considered little more than a toy.
Yes, Tiny Tim does make an appearance, but so do a lot of truly creative folks, young and old. And what they seem to share - and express - is unalloyed joy.
Between the fascinating history, the wonderful musicians, the inspiring teachers (esp. Langley B.C.'s Mr. Luongo) and the students, I defy anyone not to have a smile on their face throughout this delightful - and life-affirming - documentary. A sure cure for the blues.
And, boy, do I wish I was exposed to the ukulele in school, instead of the piano and that painful recorder!
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